The book is comprehensive and practical. It places emphasis on toxins that are the most important and the most treatable. For example, acetaminophen (“paracetamol”) and the tricyclic antidepressants are covered particularly well. The book also discusses many important toxins, such as button batteries, that are extremely important but are often neglected in other sources.
Future editions might benefit from lists of various common toxins by affected organ or organ system. For example, readers might be interested in knowing how to handle acute renal failure from a toxicological standpoint – what tests to perform and whom to call and when. In addition, I would like to see greater emphasis on poisonous animals in Europe and the Americas.
Overall, Toxicology Handbook is absolutely one of the best in its category. It is clear, concise, and packed with tons of practical and easily accessible information. I highly recommend it to medical students, residents and attendings in various areas of practice, including general medicine, emergency medicine and, of course, toxicology.
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